How does clobetasol work?
Clobetasol is a steroid medicine which means it helps to reduce swelling (inflammation) in the skin.
Skin gets inflamed when an allergic reaction or irritation causes various chemicals to be released in the skin. These make blood vessels widen and the irritated skin becomes red, swollen, itchy and painful.
Clobetasol works inside the skin cells to stop the release of these chemicals. This reduces the swelling, redness and itching.
When will my skin get better?
Your skin should start to get better after you've used clobetasol for a few days. You may need to use it for up to 4 weeks.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Once your skin condition has settled down your doctor will usually recommend that you stop using this medicine.
Using clobetasol continuously for a long time can mean some of the medicine gets into your bloodstream. If this happens, there's a very small chance it can cause serious side effects, such as adrenal gland problems, high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) or problems with your eyesight.
Using clobetasol for a long time can make your skin thinner or cause stretch marks. Stretch marks are likely to be permanent, but they usually fade over time.
Using it for a long time can also increase the risk of having a reaction when you stop using it. You might have a burning feeling and redness, although this may be more difficult to see on brown or black skin.
The reaction will feel different to the skin condition you have been using clobetasol for. It may cover a larger area than the area you were treating.
If you have been using clobetasol for a long time your doctor may advise you to gradually reduce the amount you use before stopping completely.
You can do this by using less clobetasol each time or by using it less often.
Do I need a steroid card?
If you're using steroid medicines such as clobetasol, your adrenal glands may not make as much of some of the hormones your body needs such as cortisol (known as the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency.
It's more likely to happen if you take high doses for a long time (especially tablets and injections) or if you regularly use different kinds of steroids at the same time (such as a steroid nasal spray and a steroid inhaler).
Your doctor or pharmacist will assess your risk of adrenal insufficiency based on the type and dose of steroids you're taking, and may recommend that you carry a steroid emergency card (red card). This card is the size of a credit card and fits in your wallet or purse.
Important
If you need any medical or dental treatment, or are having surgery or an invasive procedure, show your steroid emergency card to your doctor or dentist. This is important so they know you're having steroid treatment and can give you extra steroids as needed.
Can steroids make eczema worse?
If you feel your symptoms are getting worse after using clobetasol for 1 week, it's important to tell a doctor.
Steroids like clobetasol reduce inflammation in the skin to help manage the symptoms of a condition. They do not cure the condition.
When the treatment is stopped, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can flare up again.
You can avoid this by gradually reducing the amount of clobetasol you use, or how often you use it. Do this over 1 to 2 weeks before stopping it completely.
Why is it not recommended for faces?
The skin on your face is delicate and thins easily. Clobetasol can damage skin by making it thinner. Sometimes when this happens, your skin may not go back to how it was before.
Some common skin problems that affect the face, such as impetigo, rosacea and acne, can be made worse by clobetasol.
Do not use clobetasol on your face unless a doctor says it's OK. If you do use it on your face, do not cover that area with a dressing or bandage.
Never apply clobetasol near your eyes or on your eyelids.
Can I still have vaccinations?
Using clobetasol does not stop you or your child having vaccinations.
But tell the doctor or nurse that you're using clobetasol so they can give the vaccine in an untreated area of skin.
Will it affect my contraception?
Clobetasol does not stop any type of contraception working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Clobetasol does not make you sleepy so it's safe to drive or ride a bike when using this medicine.
Can I drink alcohol while using clobetasol?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using clobetasol.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
No, you can eat and drink normally while using clobetasol.